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Leeds Conservatoire has been at the forefront of music and performing arts education for over 50 years. They provide the specialist training of a conservatoire combined with the academic rigour and professional development of a university; aligning their curriculum with the needs of today’s dynamic music and performing arts industries. Students are equipped with the artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit to succeed in a broad range of careers in the creative industries.
Boasting the most diverse undergraduate degree portfolio of any UK conservatoire, they offer specialist programmes ranging from Classical, Jazz, and Popular Music, to Music Business and Music Production, to Musical Theatre, Acting and Actor Musician.
The conservatoire is committed to the individual development of all students, which is reflected in the highly personalised teaching methods. Students are taught in one-to-one and small group sessions, by expert practitioners who possess a wealth of technical and theoretical knowledge, and by visiting high-profile industry professionals.
Their commitment to academic excellence is also shown in the conservatoire’s cutting-edge practice and performance facilities, which they have invested heavily in over the past few years, and through the vast array of professional partnerships and public performance opportunities, they secure for students to increase their industry exposure.
Alongside the commitment to student development, the conservatoire is also committed to making their world-class performing arts education open and accessible to all. In 2019 Leeds became the first conservatoire in the UK to remove audition fees for all of its courses and provides a bursary to cover audition travel costs to those who need it.
Leeds Conservatoire prides itself providing vocational, performance-orientated training which is reflective of the needs of the music and performing arts industries. Students are taught by expert practitioners using state-of-the-art industry equipment, equipping them with the technical skills and commercial knowledge to succeed in a wide range of performance-related careers.
The conservatoire has a wealth of partnerships with local, national, and international music and performing arts organisations – including Pop4, Opera North, Backstage Academy, Leeds Playhouse, Red Ladder Theatre Company, Ivors Academy, ERASMUS+, and the International Songwriting Camp. Through this network, students are given opportunities to attend masterclasses, study abroad, and collaborate with professional composers, producers, actors, musicians, and singers.
Students are also given opportunities to perform their work publicly through the conservatoire’s numerous showcases and through appearances at major UK festivals such as Leeds Festival, Sound City Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, and House of Europe, and through appearances on BBC TV and BBC Radio.
Alongside the career focus built into course curriculums, the conservatoire has a dedicated Artistry and Enterprise service, which provides advice, guidance, and support for students in developing and releasing their own material - including shooting videos, creating merchandise, and getting professional mixing and mastering. The service also includes The Musicians’ Booking Agency, which helps students find paid performance opportunities, both locally and further afield.
97% of all Leeds Conservatoire students are in work or study within six months of graduation, with approximately 80% finding work in the creative industries, according to the most recent DHLE data (2017). Successful alumni have gone on to find success in a range of careers, from performing in the West End and composing for Hollywood films, to performing professionally as a solo artist.
Leeds Conservatoire offers a wide range of three-year BA (Hons) music and performing arts courses, which have been designed to meet the demands of these industries. Courses cover Acting, Actor Musician, Music (Classical, Film, Folk, Jazz, and Popular), Music Business, Music Production, Songwriting, and Musical Theatre.
Music courses can be taken as singular or combined pathways (e.g. BA Hons Music [Jazz] or BA Hons Music [Folk with Jazz]). A small number of the conservatoire’s music courses are also offered with a Foundation Year option. This introductory year is designed for students who might not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto the BA degree course and will work to build their skills and confidence for degree-level study.
The conservatoire also offers two FdA Foundation Degrees in Music Production. These two-year, industry-focused courses - equivalent to the first two years of a BA - are a fast-track way for students to enter the industry with all the practical training and experience they need.
Teaching at Leeds Conservatoire is structured around three distinct elements – designed not only to strengthen students’ creative and artistic skills, but also their theoretical knowledge of music:
Course tutors are experts in their field and have a wealth of technical skills and industry experience. Many remain active musicians, performers, and researchers in the creative industries and their experience underpins their teaching, meaning students can gain an education that is highly relevant to the career they wish to pursue. In addition, the conservatoire runs a packed schedule of masterclasses, hosted by visiting high-profile industry professionals who share industry insights. Previous masterclass guests include Alice Fearn (star of Wicked), Rob Harris and Paul Turner (Jamiroquai), DJ Daniel P Carter (Radio 1) and renowned classical musicians, Charlie Siem and Catherine Arlidge.
The Leeds Conservatoire Students’ Union (SU) is run by a team of students who are individually elected by the student body. Their main task is to represent the voice of students and to enact the changes students wish to see. They do this by managing a group of course representatives – volunteer students who are responsible for gathering student opinion on what needs improving or should be changed. They meet regularly with faculty staff and conservatoire leaders to raise issues and get feedback on what is being done to resolve previous issues.
The Students’ Union also works closely with the Student Services team to offer wellbeing and welfare support to students and to raise awareness of mental and physical health issues. They also work hard to promote and celebrate equality, inclusivity, and diversity within the student body, ensuring underrepresented groups’ voices are heard. Students can talk to the SU team in strictest confidence about anything that may be affecting them whilst at the conservatoire.
The SU team are also responsible for managing the conservatoire’s clubs and societies and for organising a wide range of social events and activities for students to get involved with, including the annual freshers’ fair.
Leeds Conservatoire has two primary halls of residence: Joseph Stones House and One Mill Street.
Joseph Stones House is located on campus, directly above the conservatoire’s main campus building. Students can choose from basic or premium en-suite bedrooms, in flats of between three and seven bedrooms. Each flat comes with a modern shared kitchen and living area. Or students can opt for one of the single or double studio rooms on offer, which come equipped with a private kitchenette.
The building is managed by Unite Students and has communal laundry facilities and a common room with TV and pool table. Prices range from £144 per week to £205 per week for the 2020/21 academic year, depending on accommodation type selected. This includes all utilities, Wi-Fi, and basic contents insurance.
One Mill Street is located just a short (four-minute) walk from the conservatoire’s campus and is a large, modern building. It is managed by Unipol Housing and comes with communal lounge area, a shared music practice room, an on-site gym, bike storage, and limited car parking.
Rooms are available in flats with between three and six bedrooms. Students can choose between a standard bedroom (with shared bathroom, kitchen and living areas) or en-suite bedroom (shared kitchen and living area). Prices range from £139 per week to £150 per week for the 2020/21 academic year and include utilities, Wi-Fi, and basic contents insurance.
Rooms in both of these halls are allocated on a first come, first served basis, to first year undergraduates only. For students who don’t manage to secure a place in these halls, there are plenty of other options available. There are a number of private student halls run by popular accommodation providers such as iQ, Unite, and Unipol, and plenty of private houses and flats to rent too. There is plenty of information about accommodation on the conservatoire’s website.
At Leeds Conservatoire, students will hone their creative talents in modern, purpose-built performance and rehearsal spaces that are fully equipped with cutting edge, industry-leading equipment and software. These include:
Playhouse Square
Home to Acting, Actor Musician, and Musical Theatre students, Playhouse Square provides a 180-seat capacity theatre, state-of-the-art dance and drama studios and rehearsal rooms, and changing and breakout spaces.
The Venue
A 350-seat, purpose-built theatre plays host to the conservatoire’s jam-packed annual programme of events, and student showcase performances.
Rooftop Bar
The Rooftop Bar provides study and breakout spaces for students and spaces for intimate acoustic performances, alongside stunning city views.
Recital Room
A 120-seat performance space that’s used for student performances, masterclass workshops, and student nights.
The conservatoire also provides high-spec equipment facilities for all students. They are the only conservatoire in the UK to hold ‘All-Steinway School’ status, which means that 95% of their pianos - including eight grand pianos - come from the Steinway family. They also have a partnership with Roland UK to provide students with a wide range of top-of-the-range Roland keyboards and synthesisers. Music production students have access to recording and mixing studio spaces equipped with industry-leading equipment and software, including Audient, SSL, and Neve recording equipment, and over 100 high spec iMacs with MIDI keyboards and audio interfaces.
The conservatoire’s impressive library supports students’ academic journey, with 8,000 books, 28,000 items of printed music, and a wide range of play texts. Away from studying, the Café Bar at the centre of campus provides a vibrant space for students to grab some food and enjoy the regular social activities organised by the SU team.
Leeds is the UK’s third largest city and with four universities and several colleges all located there, is home to a large student population. The city is regularly voted as the best UK city for students and was included in Whatuni’s 2019 list of the ‘Top 10 Most Affordable Cities’ to live as a student.
With a vibrant cultural scene, Leeds is the perfect city in which to be a music or performing arts student. The city boasts a huge variety of music and performance venues – big and small – catering to all tastes, including: First Direct Arena; Brudenell Social Club; Leeds Playhouse; Leeds Grand Theatre; and Northern Ballet.
Leeds also plays host to a wide range of renowned music festivals and events, including: Leeds International Film Festival; Leeds Festival; Leeds International Piano Competition; and the Sounds Like THIS Festival.
Being a student city, the nightlife is pretty good too! With hundreds of big-chain and independent restaurants, cocktail bars, craft breweries, pubs and nightclubs all located in the city centre – there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Leeds is home to amazing shopping – from huge shopping centres offering every high-street brand, to high-end independent boutiques, to the famous Kirkgate Market and everything in between. It’s also a sports-lovers’ paradise - with football, rugby, and cricket matches to catch throughout the year.
When the hustle and bustle of city life gets a bit much, students can head out into the great outdoors for some peace and quiet. The spectacular Yorkshire Dales and Peak District can both be easily reached by car and make a great day trip. Leeds is perfectly located for other day trips too, being well connected via bus and rail to Manchester, Sheffield, and York. For those who want to explore further afield, Leeds is serviced by its own international airport.
Joining a club or society whilst studying can be a great way of blowing off steam after a hard day of rehearsing or studying in the library. It’s also a great way for students to meet new friends and try something new.
There are currently 15 active clubs and societies running at the conservatoire, covering hobbies and interests such as African-Caribbean, Big Band, Camerata, Climbing, Film, Gaming, LGBTQ+, Musical Theatre and Netball. Details on what each society involves, how often they meet and how to apply to become a member, can be found on the Students’ Union website.
Students are also encouraged to start new clubs and societies if they cannot find one they want to join. They will be fully supported by the students’ union in doing so.
The conservatoire’s support team is well equipped to give the right support to anyone who needs it. Happy to talk to students on the phone, by email or face-to-face, the conservatoire offers multichannel options to ensure their student body are content. The team provide support across the following areas:
Fees and Funding: The team offer advice and guidance for managing money, applying for finance and can even offer emergency financial help to students struggling with debt.
Disability and Learning Difficulties: The team offer practical support for all students with physical disabilities and learning difficulties, and will work with course tutors to make any necessary adjustments students need to study successfully at the conservatoire.
Study Skills: The team offer weekly drop-in skills workshops and online resources to help with a number of study-related issues such as note-taking, research and writing essays, managing time, and staying motivated.
Health and Wellbeing: The team offer free and impartial advice on a range of emotional, mental or physical health issues. They also provide confidential counselling to help students struggling with mental health conditions. In addition, the team offer a variety of health checks specifically aimed at performers, including hearing check-ups and physiotherapy sessions to help students stay injury-free and able to perform their instrument to the best of their physical ability.
Tuition fees for UK/EU students on BA (Hons) Music and Performing Arts courses (single, combined and foundation year) are £9,250 per year.
Tuition fees for UK/EU students studying a Foundation Degree are £9,250 per year.
Tuition fees for International students on BA (Hons) Music and Performing Arts courses are £17,250 per year. For courses with a foundation year included, the foundation year will be charged at £14,000.
Tuition fees for International students studying a Foundation Degree are £17,250 per year.
*Note that these fees are for the academic year 2020/21 and may change in subsequent years.
Leeds Conservatoire Bursary
This is offered by the conservatoire to students according to household income and will either be an award of £400 or £800. It will be automatically calculated by the conservatoire and paid to students in two instalments.
Leverhulme Trust Arts Scholarship for Jazz
Four scholarships – worth £6,150 each – will be awarded to students in the first year of their BA (Hons) Music (Jazz) course to help with living costs.
The Alan Hawkshaw Foundation Scholarships
£1,500 per year will be offered to three gifted students on the classical and jazz undergraduate courses where their instruments are one of trombone, tuba, bassoon, French horn, oboe, double bass or piano. This is offered in the name of Alan Hawkshaw, composer of television and film scores.
The Reuben Vincent Trombone Scholarships
Reuben Vincent was a jazz trombonist and businessman and two scholarships of £2,500 are offered in his name for principal trombonists to buy a new instrument.
Leeds Cathedral Scholarships
Valued at £1,000 with potential for an extra £500, this scholarship is aimed at four choral singers, one choral conductor and an organ player.
Leeds conservatoire’s academic strengths lie in music and performing arts. They have been providing innovative, highly specialised education in these areas for fifty years and offer courses across a range of musical and performance subject areas, setting students up for a variety of potential careers including performance, composition, acting, music production and music business.
Academic staff are high-profile experts in their genres and have a wealth of technical ability and professional experience, giving students a world-class, highly-supportive, and personalised education. Not only that, the conservatoire has a roster of professional producers, directors, and performers who perform regular professional masterclasses to enhance students’ academic experience and help them succeed in the business.
The conservatoire also has a number of performance partnerships with local and national music and performing arts institutions and festivals, giving students numerous opportunities to perform publicly and increase public awareness of their work throughout their studies.
The majority of Leeds Conservatoire undergraduate courses require students to have 96 UCAS points from their Level 3 studies, which typically should include and A-Level or BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music or performance-related subject (Drama or Theatre Studies).
Students will also need to have a minimum of three or five GCSEs, including English Language at Grade C/4 or above. International students will need IELTS 6.0.
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NEXT OPEN DAY
26 September 20
UNDERGRADUATE OPEN DAY
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